One Skillet Chicken Sausage and Pasta Bake

This bubbling baked pasta dish is the perfect meal for feeding a crowd, but wanting to keep things healthy. The best part? It can all be made in one pan.

Inspiration:

This bubbling baked pasta dish is the perfect meal for feeding a crowd, but wanting to keep things healthy. The best part? It can all be made in one pan.

If you are looking for a pasta-night meal that is sure to please, this one-skillet chicken sausage pasta bake will not disappoint. Loaded with zesty Italian sausage, think of it as similar to meat lasagna but without all the fuss. This meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight meal, but it can easily be dressed up and served on a special occasion - add garlic bread!

Ingredients:

serves 6

1 pound penne pasta
1 pound Italian Chicken Sausage (mild or hot)
1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
1 Tablespoon garlic, minced
8 oz ricotta
½ Tablespoon fennel seeds
¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 large jar (25.5 oz) marinara sauce
8 oz mozzarella, sliced (we love fresh)
2 Tablespoon fresh basil

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente (fully cooked but still firm), about 8-10 minutes, or according to package directions. Drain well and set aside.

In a large ovenproof skillet, brown Italian sausage over medium/high heat until it is cooked through, about 5 minutes. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft and tender, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the marinara sauce, ricotta, fennel seed, chili flakes, and salt to the pan with the cooked sausage, and stir to combine.

Transfer the cooked and drained pasta into the sauce and toss well to mix evenly. Top with mozzarella and bake on the center rack for 30 minutes.

Top baked pasta with a sprinkling of fresh basil and serve warm.